Blackmagic Design has unveiled the ATEM 1 M/E Constellation 4K and ATEM 2 M/E Constellation 4K, the new Ultra HD switchers in the ATEM Constellation line that offer up to 20 12G-SDI inputs with standard conversion. The two new 4K models have the same powerful features as the ATEM 1 M/E and 2 M/E Constellation HD switchers, including aux outputs, DVE, advanced ATEM colour keyers, multiview and SuperSource. The ATEM 1 M/E Constellation 4K and ATEM 2 M/E Constellation 4K switchers are already available from Blackmagic Design dealers worldwide starting at US$1795.
The ATEM 1 M/E Constellation 4K and ATEM 2 M/E Constellation 4K models are being demonstrated at Blackmagic Design’s booth SL5005 at NAB 2024.
The ATEM 1 M/E Constellation 4K is a powerful 1 M/E switcher for live production with 10 standard-converting 12G-SDI inputs, 6 12G-SDI outputs, DVE, 4 advanced ATEM colour keyers, 16-panel multiview, media player, talkback and USB webcam output. The larger ATEM 2 M/E Constellation 4K model features 20 12G-SDI inputs with standard conversion, 12 12G-SDI aux outputs, 2 DVEs, 8 advanced ATEM colour keyers, 2 multiviews and a SuperSource, for a total of 6 DVEs.
With a compact rack-mount design, the ATEM Constellation incorporates a convenient control panel to operate the switcher during set-up and for emergency switching. The panel also houses a large LCD to monitor the output programme and change switcher settings with on-screen menus. The switcher’s compact design makes it perfectly portable for live productions. On the back, connections include 12G-SDI inputs, aux outputs, balanced audio and Ethernet for control.
The ATEM Constellation line has a large number of independent outputs. Any SDI input and internal source can be routed to these SDI outputs. They are ideal for routing separate streams to stage screens, master recorders and streaming processors. SDI outputs also work in conjunction with ISO recorders, so that each receives a resynchronised switcher input, and the corresponding timecode. All SDI outputs carry programme audio, RP-188 timecode, and camera control, tally and talkback information.
For live streaming, the ATEM Constellation’s USB-C connection acts as a webcam source. In fact, the software reads the ATEM Constellation as a webcam, which instead is a true live production switcher. Compatibility is guaranteed with any Full HD 1080 video software.
The integrated multiview allows numerous sources to be monitored on a single monitor. The 1 M/E model has one multiview, while the 2 M/E model offers two independent multiviews. Any external SDI input and internal video source can be displayed on the connected screen. The screen is customisable and modular with a choice of 4, 7, 10, 13 or 16 panes, each with its own tally outline, source label and overlay VU audio levels. The tally outline is red or green to indicate which source is on air.
The ATEM Constellation boasts up to 2 independent DVEs (depending on model) that allow you to position graphics and create compositions with image within image. The DVEs are of outstanding quality and can be repositioned and resized in real time. They enable professional image-in-image effects with customisable 2D borders, shadows and highlights. DVEs are also useful for Squeeze and Push transitions, which make the programme even more immersive. When combined with graphics, they are ideal for highly customised drop-down transitions. The 2 M/E models also include a SuperSource processor!
The switcher’s internal media archive contains broadcast-quality RGBA graphics and animations for use with the two or four media players, which play them instantly. The 1 M/E model accommodates up to 20 static and 200 animated frames, while the 2 M/E model accommodates up to 40 static and 400 animated frames.
With its many advanced ATEM keyers, the ATEM Constellation produces high-quality colour and luminance keys for news and virtual sets. The powerful keyer features an eyedropper to sample background colour and automatically generate key parameters. It offers precision controls to manage contours and reflections, and a colour corrector for the foreground to match the background for realistic compositions.
Four advanced ATEM keyers are available in the 1 M/E models and eight in the 2 M/E models.
Four primary colour keys per effects bank are perfect for creating virtual sets. With so many advanced ATEM keyers, it is possible to use one key per camera and integrate images to custom backgrounds. You can use external image processors or set up virtual sets with fixed cameras by loading backgrounds with pre-rendered images from media players and the Media Pool archive. In addition, macros can be programmed to change cameras and load the correct background into media players. Such a degree of flexibility allows you to experiment with new studio configurations!
In addition to the DVEs in the M/E effects banks, the 2 M/E offers two powerful SuperSource processors with four additional DVE levels and a background level, which can be selected by ATEM Constellation as normal sources. The switcher’s video inputs can be used for each of the SuperSource DVEs, to superimpose them on a custom background saved in the archive. With SuperSource it’s like having another switcher for multi-level VFX. For example, SuperSource is perfect for creating image-in-picture effects during interviews, leaving the main DVEs available for other tasks.
Devices can be connected in HD or Ultra HD TV standards, including 720p, 1080i, 1080p and 2160p formats. The SDI inputs also handle embedded audio and the audio mix of all video inputs. The programme output includes talkback, tally and camera control information. Connecting any SDI output of the switcher to the camera provides access to programme return, camera control and talkback.
With its built-in Fairlight audio mixer, the ATEM Constellation facilitates highly advanced live mixing, capable of handling up to 48 input channels in the ATEM 2 M/E Constellation 4K! Audio is separated from all SDI video inputs and routed to the mixer. Each input channel includes 6-band parametric EQ, compressor, limiter, expander, noise gate and panning. Operations can be carried out from ATEM Software Control or from a compatible Mackie panel.
